Effectiveness of community engagement in snakebite prevention and proper first aid practices: A community trial in rural Bangladesh

BACKGROUND: Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease with significant public health implications, especially in rural Bangladesh. Studies to identify an effective community-based intervention to address this underappreciated problem are scarce. This study evaluates the effectiveness of community engagement and enhanced health literacy for snakebite prevention and increased appropriate first aid practices utilizing existing health care system in rural communities of Bangladesh. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPLE FINDING: This quasi experimental study was conducted in two rural sub-districts of Bangladesh. Educational sessions, visual aids, and culturally tailored community engagement activities were implemented in intervention area. Baseline and endline surveys were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention in terms of outcome on preventive measures, first aid knowledge, and practices by the community people. In the intervention area, preventive knowledge improved modestly from 9.2% to 12% (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.09-1.74), and first aid knowledge rose from 50% to 73% (OR: 2.62, 95% CI: 2.25-3.06). Positive practices increased significantly from 18% to 22% (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.04-1.49). The incidence rate of snakebite increased by 10.6% in the control area while it dropped by 43.4% in the intervention area (from 294.4 to 166.5 per 100,000). CONCLUSION: The incidence of snakebite was significantly decreased by community-based initiatives that improved the knowledge and practice of community people. Tailored education, community engagement, and culturally sensitive strategies were key to success. However, gaps in sustaining positive practices highlight the need for ongoing support. These findings provide a replicable model for addressing snakebite challenges in resource-limited settings.